At Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine, we believe that falafel isn’t just food—it’s a story. Comfort, history, and culture are wrapped into a golden, crispy ball. Born in the Middle East and loved worldwide, falafel has become a global street food icon. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vegan-friendly charm have made it a go-to dish for food lovers everywhere.
This Falafel guide will explain the process of making the perfect falafel. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie, a dedicated vegetarian, or someone looking to introduce Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to know here. From perfecting texture to creative serving ideas, this guide will help you master falafel-making and discover why it’s such a beloved dish.
What Is the meaning of Falafel?
Firstly, Falafel is the ultimate plant-based treat—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made primarily from chickpeas or fava beans, this dish is seasoned with a symphony of Middle Eastern spices, including cumin and coriander. At Aladdin, our falafel is made fresh daily using authentic recipes that stay true to tradition while embracing the modern palate.
Served with warm pita bread, fresh salads, or our signature tahini sauce, falafel is versatile enough for every occasion. From lunch wraps to hearty platters, it fits effortlessly into any meal plan. Visit Our Menu to explore how we incorporate falafel into our menu.
Falafel Guide: Why Use Dried Chickpeas?
We’ve all been there: you’re short on time, and canned chickpeas seem like a tempting shortcut. But trust us—if you want your falafel to be crispy, flavorful, and cohesive, dried chickpeas soaked overnight are the way to go. Here’s why:
- Texture Matters
Soaked chickpeas hold their shape better during blending, ensuring your falafel mixture doesn’t turn into mush. This results in perfectly crispy balls or patties that don’t fall apart when cooked. - Flavor Boost
Dried chickpeas absorb herbs and spices more effectively, creating a deeper, more satisfying flavor profile. - Frying Perfection
Dried chickpeas fry evenly, delivering that irresistible golden-brown crust every time.
For quick fixes, you can use canned chickpeas but expect softer falafel. To improve texture, try adding a binding agent like breadcrumbs or flour. For more pro tips, check out our blog post on Falafel Health Benefits.
The Art of Making Falafel
So, let’s dive into the steps to create falafel that rivals your favorite Mediterranean restaurant.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp flour or breadcrumbs (if needed)
Optional additions: fava beans for extra depth and red chili flakes for heat.
Pro Tip: For gluten-free falafel, substitute almond or coconut flour. Pair your falafel with sides like our creamy hummus or tangy tzatziki—check out Our Menu for inspiration.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Use a food processor to blend soaked chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices. Aim for a coarse texture that holds together when shaped. Over-blending can lead to a paste-like consistency, which won’t fry well.
If your mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in flour or breadcrumbs a little until it holds its shape.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). Chilling allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape and fry.
Step 4: Shape the Falafel
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds using clean hands or a falafel scoop. If you’re making wraps, flatten them slightly for patties. Need more ideas for serving falafel?
Step 5: Cook Your Falafel
There are multiple ways to cook falafel, depending on your preference:
- Deep-Fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the falafel on a greased baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook falafel for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even crispiness.
Pro Tip: Always cook a test falafel first to ensure your oil temperature is perfect and the mixture holds together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Falafel is endlessly versatile. Serve it:
- In a warm pita with veggies and tahini sauce.
- Over a salad with lemon dressing.
- On a platter with hummus, baba ghanoush, and pickled veggies.
For more ideas on how to serve, visit our To-Go Menu section on our website.
FAQ – Falafel Guide
Why Does My Falafel Fall Apart?
This often happens because the mixture is too wet. Ensure you use dried chickpeas, chill the mixture, and add binding agents as needed.
Can I Make Falafel Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also shape uncooked falafel balls and freeze them. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge and fry, bake, or air fry as usual.
Is Falafel Healthy?
Falafel is naturally vegan, high in protein, and rich in fiber. When baked or air-fried, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal. Learn more in our Falafel Health Benefits post.
Can I Use Fava Beans Instead of Chickpeas?
Absolutely! While chickpeas are more common, falafel made with fava beans is traditional in many Middle Eastern countries. You can also mix fava beans and chickpeas for a unique flavor. Just soak the fava beans like you would chickpeas to ensure the right texture.
Why Are My Falafel Balls Too Dense?
This could be due to over-blending the mixture. Aim for a coarse, grainy texture when processing the ingredients. Adding a pinch of baking powder can also lighten the mixture, making the falafel fluffier.
How Do I Prevent Falafel from Sticking to the Pan?
If you are baking or frying falafel, make sure your cooking surface is well-oiled. Heat the oil to 350°F before adding the falafel. If baking, use parchment paper or grease the baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Can I Make Gluten-Free Falafel?
Yes! Most traditional falafel recipes are naturally gluten-free. If you need a binder, use almond flour, chickpea flour, or ground oats instead of regular flour. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
What Oil Is Best for Frying Falafel?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed, work best for frying falafel. Avoid using olive oil for deep frying, as its lower smoke point can lead to burning.
How Do I Achieve Even Crispiness in an Air Fryer?
To get evenly crispy falafel in an air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Arrange the falafel balls in a single layer with space in between, and shake the basket halfway through cooking. Lightly spray the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Can I Add Extra Spices or Herbs?
Of course! Falafel is highly customizable. Add fresh dill, mint, or even spinach for a twist. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, turmeric, or cayenne for additional flavor. Just make sure not to overwhelm the base flavors.
Falafel Beyond the Plate
Falafel is more than a dish—it celebrates Middle Eastern culture, tradition, and hospitality. At Aladdin, we aim to share this rich heritage with every customer. Our falafel represents generations of culinary artistry, made accessible in the heart of Houston.
Hosting an event? Consider falafel platters as a crowd-pleasing catering option. Explore Our Catering Services for your next gathering.
Why Choose Aladdin?
At Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine, we take pride in crafting food that brings people together. Here’s why we stand out:
- Authenticity: Our falafel is made with traditional recipes and the freshest ingredients.
- Versatility: From dining to catering events, we make Mediterranean cuisine accessible for every occasion.
- Sustainability: We offer vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious options for all dietary needs.
Our commitment to quality has made us a favorite among Houston food lovers. Want to taste the difference? Visit us at our Montrose or Garden Oaks locations, or Order Online today.
Final Thoughts
Falafel isn’t just food—it’s a connection to culture, community, and comfort. Its crispy, golden exterior, and flavorful, herb-packed interior tell a story of tradition and culinary artistry that has transcended borders for generations. Whether perfecting your homemade recipe, savoring a freshly prepared platter at Aladdin, or sharing it with loved ones, falafel is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and nourishing satisfaction.
Ready to elevate your falafel game? Visit us to experience the authentic essence of Mediterranean cuisine, where every bite is crafted with passion and tradition. Whether you’re dining in, taking it to-go, or exploring our catering options for your next big event, we’re here to help you bring people together over the timeless joy of falafel. Let’s make every occasion memorable, one flavorful bite at a time.
